Good oral health maintained by flossing may reduce the likelihood of undergoing emergency dentistry and limit the chances of a stroke, new research has suggested.

Japanese researchers have found that the possibility of having a stroke is linked to tooth loss occurring as a result of poor dental hygiene.

The study, conducted at Hiroshima University and reported on the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide website, found that people with less than 24 of their own teeth were faced with a 60 per cent higher chance of suffering from a stroke than those who had more natural teeth.

According to the website, a number of serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease can be linked to dental health and people with unhealthy teeth and gums are also at greater risk of requiring emergency dental procedures.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Foundation, also attributes a healthy diet to better dental hygiene.

He said: "A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce can help to prevent gum disease, a disease which can in turn, pose more significant risks to your overall health."

Emergency dental procedures can be avoided by attending regular check-ups, a medical expert has argued.

With a trip to the dentist proving to be a daunting experience for many people, Dr Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation has suggested that costs for treatment will increase if problems result in emergency procedures.

The importance of people brushing their teeth correctly to keep gums and teeth strong was also highlighted by Dr Carter, who suggested cosmetic dentistry is a worthwhile investment for anyone with good dental hygiene.

He stated that the prevention of dental problems will be less costly than curing them and said: "If you are not brushing your teeth properly you will be more likely to suffer from gum disease, which in time can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually be lost."

Meanwhile, Dentistry.co.uk has suggested that now is the time to book an appointment for a dental check-up, arguing "spring cleaning" the smile will boost confidence just in time for summer.

Owen Jones said procedures like Zoom teeth whitening will transform a person's teeth and could boost their self-esteem by making their overall appearance more attractive, when writing on the website UpdatedDailey.com.

"Sometimes, that smile becomes so contagious that you find yourself smiling and feeling better for the rest of the day on," he added.

Mr Jones also suggested a Hollywood smile can make someone appear friendly and more approachable to passing strangers.

He recommended coffee drinkers have teeth whitening as "the ingredients in caffeinated drinks can discolour your teeth", while smokers were also advised to undergo treatment.

People in the public eye whose teeth look beautiful and perfect are beneficiaries of teeth whitening work, according to Mr Jones.

With Zoom teeth whitening, patients can relax by watching a film while their teeth are lightened by up to eight different shades, the Irish Independent's Sinead Van Kampen said recently.

A journalist has spoken about trying Zoom teeth whitening for the first time.

Writing for the Irish Independent, Sinead Van Kampen said she had been encouraged to do so after seeing Hollywood stars flash their pearly white teeth on the red carpet at the Oscars and other award ceremonies.

She said that she was able to sit and relax while watching a DVD as the professional went about doing the whitening, which can result in teeth becoming up to eight shades brighter.

"Althought it's recommended that your new teeth match the whites of your eyes, I went the whole hog and got the full on Simon Cowell," Ms Van Kampen commented, joking that her colleagues needed sunglasses afterwards.

She concluded that Zoom teeth whitening can really give everyone the wow factor, but warned anyone having it to avoid food such as curries in the days afterwards, as they could result in staining.

Dr Sultan Sherzoy, speaking from his practice in New Jersey, recently said that he has seen patients get their confidence and self-esteem back after opting for Zoom teeth whitening, even if they barely smiled at all before.

The popularity and success of Zoom teeth whitening is on the rise, as the dental treatment begins to win over even more patients.

World Dental reported that the process is being chosen by an increased number of people across the globe, many of whom desire the gleaming smile it can create.

Developed by Discuss Dental, the procedure is carried out by professional specialists and works to lighten the colour of digits within the mouth.

A frequent slot on TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, broadcast on US channel ABC, may also be working wonders when it comes to raising the profile of the treatment.

The powerful hydrogen peroxide-based tooth whitener used by experts during the method is the key to Zoom teeth whitening's success, the publication suggested.

Dr Anoop Maini, a member of the board of directors at the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, recently said cosmetic dentistry is no longer reserved purely for the rich and famous and is now accessible to everybody.